The fight had started well, d'Artagnan had to admit it could not have gone better. The help that Aramis and Porthos were giving them with the shots from the side of the lawn had thinned the enemy out considerably. They were left with just three men. The fight had been tiring but knowing that the four of them were involved had helped d'Artagnan to keep focused. His focus had wandered briefly when the shots had stopped, he hoped Aramis and Porthos were alright. He knew something must have happened to prevent them from continuing to pick off the men. D'Artagnan forced himself to concentrate on the two men in front of him. He was aware of Athos and Gerard squaring up to each other a few yards away. He knew that to offer any assistance to his brothers he had to deal with the two men in front of him first.

With the occasional glance around for any more men arriving to join the fight, d'Artagnan concentrated on the two men. One was younger than him and looked scared, the other was a swarthy older man, who looked angry. The older man was more disciplined with his moves, but he was slower than he might have been in his younger days. He was not predictable and had training, but the lack of speed was what d'Artagnan could use to his advantage. The younger man was predictable and d'Artagnan could exploit that as well.

'It is over Baron. Why not give in now, and save yourself the humiliation of being taken back to Paris in chains?'

D'Artagnan stepped closer to the younger man who had glanced across when Athos spoke. The distracted man was easy to push to the ground. The older man had not been distracted, he continued with his thrusts and slices. D'Artagnan avoided the man's sword with ease, he kept an eye on the younger man as he scrambled to his feet. Before the man could step closer d'Artagnan made a decisive move against the older man, slicing deeply across the man's hips and stomach. A swift kick saw the man stumble backwards into the other man as he tried to get back into the fight. D'Artagnan followed the dying man, taking a couple of steps forward and thrusting his sword at the younger man who stood no chance.

With both of his opponents dying, blood pooling beneath them, d'Artagnan could turn his attention to the battle of blades and wills that was happening across the lawn as Athos continued to try to talk Gerard out of what was little more than a duel between the two men.

'You are delusional, Musketeer,' said Gerard with a sneer, 'if you think that you can beat me.'

D'Artagnan could see by Athos' expression that his friend found the comment amusing. Athos was playing a defensive game, he was parrying and blocking the Baron's attacks with ease, just doing enough to keep the man busy.

'Once I have dealt with you, I will take the remaining men and still complete my plan- '

'You perhaps have not noticed that you are the last of your men standing?' asked Athos as he swiped one of the Barons enthusiastic attacks aside.

The moment's hesitation from Gerard was all that Athos had been waiting for. As Gerard glanced across the lawn, the realisation of what Athos was saying dawning on him Athos made a move that took the Baron completely by surprise. The superior swordsman disarmed the Baron with a swift twist of his sword and stepped forward tripping the defeated man to the ground in one quick movement.

The Baron, anger in his eyes, tried to wrench a gun from his belt. He only succeeded in laying his hand on the weapon before he felt the point of d'Artagnan's blade on his chest and Athos boot pushing his arm into the ground. The two Musketeers stared down at the Baron who glanced around for a few seconds, tried to pull himself free for a few more before lying back and stopping any resistance.

'Are you going to behave for us?' asked Athos.

The Baron did not respond he stared at Athos with contempt. Athos reloaded his gun and aimed it at their prisoner as d'Artagnan quickly pulled a belt from one of the dead Spaniards.

'I will not be restrained like a common criminal,' complained the Baron.

'No, Monsieur,' said Athos, 'you will be restrained like a Noble. A disgraced Noble who had plotted against his King.'

'You said I wouldn't be restrained,' Gerard said, his voice starting to whine.

'I said if you gave yourself up you would not be taken to Paris in chains,' replied Athos. 'I did not say you would not be restrained.'

After a few moments of resistance, the Baron submitted to the restraints. D'Artagnan hauled the man to his feet and kept a careful hold on him.

Athos was looking towards the area where they had left Aramis and Porthos. D'Artagnan followed his gaze.

'I know, I'm worried as well,' he said.

'It's too tight,' Gerard said, pulling at the leather-wrapped around his wrists.

D'Artagnan looked at Athos for a few seconds, Athos nodded and pulled his scarf from around his neck handing it to d'Artagnan who struggled to hide his amusement as he gagged the complaining man. Gerard looked very put out, as he continued to mumble through the cloth.

Between them, they forced the Baron to walk towards the entrance to the natural fortress. As they neared the only way into the vantage point Athos took the lead, his gun held ready.

'We're fine.'

D'Artagnan watched as Athos lowed his gun, the tension dissipating from his friend as he continued to walk forward.

As they entered the rocky area, they found two bodies littering the ground. One man had been shot the other appeared to have a nasty wound to his head. Porthos was sat busy reloading the guns whilst Aramis was still watching the lawn intently. D'Artagnan wondered what his friend was looking for, he was sure there were no more men left alive.

Porthos glanced at Aramis before looking back, 'Elizabeth got away,' he said.

Aramis sighed, 'I let her get away. I had a clear shot… I just… couldn't.'

'We have Gerard,' said Athos. 'That was the objective. The rest of the plotters have been dealt with. I doubt she can cause much harm on her own.'

Aramis shook his head, 'I still shouldn't have let her go.'

Porthos reached out and squeezed his friend's shoulder.

As the exchange was going on d'Artagnan glanced at Gerard, he could tell the Baron looked pleased if he was not gagged the man would probably have been smirking. D'Artagnan wondered why Gerard looked so pleased.

MMMM

Athos watched as Aramis wrestled with the knowledge that he had let one of the plotters escape. Killing a woman was never an easy thing to do, he knew from experience the action was different from killing a man. It was odd, it should not make a difference and yet it did. Athos had no intention of blaming his friend for letting Elizabeth get away.

Porthos and Aramis had both remained where they were, sat on the rocks of the fortress. Athos was reminded that both men were injured and walking any distance was out of the question. The idea of getting them on horses was probably wishful thinking as well. But they had a prisoner that needed to be dealt with. He did not like the idea of leaving the injured men but at the same time, he did not think either he or d'Artagnan could cope with the Baron alone. The man would probably try to escape at the first opportunity.

D'Artagnan, who had pushed Gerard to his knees and left him under the watchful gaze of Porthos, turned to him.

'I have friends that live near here,' he said.

Athos looked at him, 'friends that might be prepared to take in a couple of injured men for a few days… friends that might have a secure room or cellar where a prisoner could be kept?'

D'Artagnan nodded, 'remember the night I got caught up in the explosion?'

Athos nodded, remembering the start of the whole affair vividly.

'It was them that I saw in the tavern. They used to live in Gascony. I was good friends with Marin, he's my age. His older brothers were friendly as well. I lost touch with them when they moved. They've made money trading, they gave me their address, it's near here. They said I could visit…'

'Will they be as welcoming when they find four Musketeers and a disgraced noble turn up on their doorstep?' asked Porthos.

'I'm sure they'll help.' said d'Artagnan. 'I can go ahead; they may be able to send a cart or carriage.'

Athos nodded, 'if you are sure. We can make it to the road.'

Athos glanced at Gerard, the Baron was watching the exchange with interest, Athos wondered why.

D'Artagnan was busy checking his weapons, 'I'll be as quick as I can. We'll meet you by that old Oak, where we turned off the main road.'

Athos nodded remembering the grand old tree they had passed on their way to the Baron's chateau. He looked back at Porthos and Aramis who both nodded. He knew it would be uncomfortable for them both, but they would make it the couple of miles back to the main road.

After d'Artagnan had walked away Athos turned to his injured friends, he was pleased to see Aramis already on his feet, his makeshift crutch employed to steady him whilst he helped Porthos up. It was obvious both men were in pain, but they would push the pain away whilst they had a prisoner to deal with. Gerard did not look too pleased as Athos hauled him up to stand keeping a firm grip on his arm.

Athos pushed Gerard to walk forward, they took the lead with Aramis and Porthos hobbling behind them. Porthos had drawn one of his guns and had it held loosely at his side as they walked. If Gerard managed to get free of Athos' grip the man would soon find himself on the receiving end of a Musketeer's perfect aim. Aramis, who needed both hands on his crutch as he hopped after them, could not help with the prisoner, but Athos knew that his gun would be drawn in seconds if the Baron did make a move against them.

The thick woods were not ideal to traverse with a prisoner and two injured soldiers, but they had little choice, the rough path that led from the chateau to the main road would have taken much longer to travel on. Athos wanted to minimise the pressure he put on his two injured friends who were only making their injuries worse by continuing to walk. He was aware of Aramis breathing hard as they continued over the rocky terrain.

As the afternoon was wearing on and the shadows began to lengthen Athos hoped they would be welcomed by d'Artagnan's friends, he did not like the idea of camping with a prisoner when two of them were injured. They had been forced to leave their horses stabled in the closest village and finish the journey on foot which was not helping their current situation, he would have felt more in control if they could have tied Gerard to a horse giving him less of a chance to make a run for it.

As the road came into view Athos heard Aramis sigh with relief. The large oak tree loomed over them, its branches reaching wide, stretching across the road. Exposed roots at the base of its trunk provided seats for the two injured men and a place to restrain Gerard. Athos suspected Porthos took a little too much joy from tying the man to a thick root. Gerard was not going to escape with ease. Athos looked along the road, in the direction he expected d'Artagnan to return. The dimming light was starting to become an issue. He knew d'Artagnan would return either with or without help, he just hoped his friend could find them.

'You could head down the road a little,' suggested Aramis, who was probably thinking along the same lines as him. 'Our prisoners not going anywhere and if he were to miraculously get himself out of Porthos' knots we'll just shoot him in the legs so he can't run away.'

Athos looked at Gerard who was staring at Aramis incredulously. Aramis was smirking.

'I will, perhaps, walk a little way along the road,' said Athos after a few moments thought. 'We may have missed some of the plotters. I hope I am worrying unjustly- '

'But it's better to be safe than sorry,' said Porthos with a nod.

After a last look at Gerard, Athos walked away from his friends. He did not like the idea of leaving the two injured men alone with the prisoner but knew the Baron had been firmly restrained and that, despite their injuries, the two Musketeers would not allow the prisoner to escape. The feeling that something was not right was niggling his mind. D'Artagnan had taken a direct route to get help and even if no help was offered, he should have been either waiting by the oak tree or arriving soon after they had arrived.

Athos walked along the road, keeping an eye on his surroundings as he went, it was well into the evening, the darkness causing the wooded areas to look more foreboding than they would have during the day. He listened intently dismissing the local fauna's movements quickly. An owl hooted in the distance.

When he heard a conversation that did not sound pleasant Athos quickly stepped off the road and secreted himself in a tangle of bushes as four men walked towards him. One of the men was slightly ahead of the other three his hands out in submission. D'Artagnan had been stripped of his weapons and did not look happy. Athos recognised the other three men as the friends d'Artagnan was supposed to be going to for help. The men did not appear to be as friendly as d'Artagnan had been expecting them to be.

'We offered you the chance to join us,' said the youngest of the three men.

Athos remembered d'Artagnan referring to him as Marin.

'And I am glad I did not,' replied d'Artagnan unable to hide the annoyance in his voice.

The two older men, Marin's brothers were holding guns, one was pointed at d'Artagnan, forcing him to do their bidding. Athos wondered what the plan was, wondered what the brothers wanted.

'We should have employed someone else, Gallo was always going to be a liability,' said one of the older men.

The other man nodded, 'and Gerard has not really proved much good. I thought we'd picked a good malleable man. He'd probably have proved no good. We're going to have to start again.'

Athos shook his head, he knew there had been another man providing the money for the coup attempt, but to find out the money was actually coming from a trio of wealthy brothers who had made their money through trade was a shock. He hated to think about what d'Artagnan was feeling. His friend would be devastated that he knew the people behind the assassination attempt.

The four men stopped suddenly staring at the opposite side of the road to where Athos was hiding. Elizabeth, her lithe figure accentuated by her black clothing, stepped out and walked up to d'Artagnan who stared at her open-mouthed. The young woman was armed with a sword, slipped into a thin leather belt. Athos could see a small gun tucked into the other side of the belt at her hip.

'You…' he said. 'I'd forgotten you… I…'

Elizabeth looked at d'Artagnan for a few seconds before a smile formed on her lips. The smile was thin, evil.

'They told me they'd seen you and that you had asked after me. I wondered if you'd want to rekindle what we had… but how could you have forgotten me?'

The look on d'Artagnan's face told Athos his friend had finally remembered what it was that had been evading him since he had been caught in the explosion. He not only recognised the young blonde woman from when he had seen her with Gallo and Gerard, he knew her. Elizabeth was a sister to Marin and, Athos guessed, another friend of d'Artagnan's, a close friend.

Athos could tell d'Artagnan was annoyed with himself for not remembering. If he had remembered that piece of information from the start, they could have approached the whole affair differently. They might have been able to avoid a lot of what had gone on.

Athos also knew d'Artagnan probably needed a little help.

MMMM

A little earlier…

D'Artagnan had found the modest house where Marin and his brothers lived quite easily. The sweeping driveway was well maintained, he was impressed that his friend had made money and come to live in such surroundings. The three men, Marin, in particular, had been good friends to him.

He remembered well the mischief they would get up to in the odd hours they were not busy on their respective farms. But a particularly harsh winter coupled with the death of both their parents had left the brothers ready to take on something different. A complete change of lifestyle had appealed to the clever men. D'Artagnan had always known the men would make something of themselves. He had been impressed with their stories of trade and negotiations with other countries when he had been with them in the tavern that fateful night. It pleased him the brothers had managed to make better lives for themselves.

Marin and his brothers had been at the front of the house, they all looked up as d'Artagnan walked towards them. The men were armed, which d'Artagnan thought a little odd for tradesmen, he wondered if they were aware of the Spaniards living at Gerard's chateau, they were neighbours after all.

The three men had exchanged glances, the oldest brother, Michal said something to the others. Marin had shaken his head and made a gesture for the two older men to stay where they were. Michal had nodded before saying something else as Marin walked a few steps forward.

'D'Artagnan!' he said with enthusiasm taking his hand and shaking it firmly. 'I didn't expect you to take me up on the offer so quickly.'

'This isn't a social call,' said d'Artagnan. 'My friends and I are on the King's business, two of my friends have been injured and we have a prisoner. They're waiting by that old oak tree near the road that leads to Baron Gerard's chateau. I hate to ask but we need help…'

D'Artagnan trailed off looking at Marin and the two older men who had slowly moved forward. Michal had pulled a gun from his belt as he walked raising it to aim at d'Artagnan.

'Marin… Michal… Marc… What…'

'We could spend a while pretending to help you,' said Marc, 'but what's the point. You're an intelligent man, you'd have worked it out and then we would just end up in this position anyway.'

Marin nodded, 'why fight it. We have more money and resources. You should have joined us when we offered.'

'Join you?' said d'Artagnan as he tried to work out what was going on.

'We're the money,' said Michal. 'We're the ones that are financing what you and your friends are interfering with.'

'You're the ones that have set this all up… Why?'

D'Artagnan looked from man to man taking in their good clothing, the modest, but well-kept house behind them. He did not need an answer, his friends were plotting against the King for financial gain. They were using Gerard to get close to the monarch. Marin and his brothers were not of noble stock they could not simply walk into the Palace.

'I think,' said Marin with a smile, 'you should look at yourself for the answer. You're a soldier, you have nothing compared to us. You'll never amount to anything. But we, we have money, and we have connections. We have ambition.'

Marc pulled a gun from his belt, levelling it at d'Artagnan. Marin stepped forward and pulled d'Artagnan's sword and gun from his weapons belt before patting him down in search of any other weapons.

'Take off the belts,' said Marin.

D'Artagnan did as he was told, he tried to think ahead, tried to guess what the brothers would do next. He wondered why they had not simply killed him. What use was he as a captive?

'Turn around, start walking. Back the way you came. We'll need you as a bargaining tool. Gerard may be pathetic, but he could still be useful to us,' said Marin with a nod back along the road.

His mind reeling d'Artagnan turned and walked back the way he had come, desperately trying to think of ways to get out of the danger he had inadvertently put them all in.

MMMM

Athos picked up a stout stick from the ground, he threw it along the road, it landed with a thud causing the brothers to all turn back. D'Artagnan, who had not fallen for the ploy reacted quickly, exactly as Athos had expected him to. He stepped toward one of the older brothers and grabbed the man's sword from his belt before kicking the man hard to the back of the thigh.

At the same time, Athos surged forward swiping at the other older man, the blade sliced across the man's side deeply. With a pained cry, the man twisted around, grabbing at his side at the same time, blood seeping between his fingers as he pressed his hand against the wound. The man stumbled a couple of steps before sinking to his knees a look of shock and surprise on his face.

The clashing of swords between d'Artagnan and Marin rang out across the darkening wood. A chorus of disgruntled birds disturbed from their roosts by the ringing of the steel only added to the noise the fight was causing. If there were any more Spaniards in the vicinity, they were bound to hear the sounds of the fight and make their way towards them. Athos looked around warily for a few seconds before he was forced back into the fight by the other brother who had managed to regain his footing and was busy trying to yank his gun from his belt. Athos moved towards the man, his first lunge was ineffective as the man managed to deflect the blow with his gloved hand, the blade sliced through the leather and would have left the man injured, but in the heat of the battle, the man did not seem to notice. Athos quickly sliced at the man a second time. The man was not as lucky with the second attack. The stroke hit his arm hard enough to cause real damage. The young man tried to push forward, into Athos, but only succeeded in taking a couple of steps before he sank to the ground in a similar manner to his brother, Athos pulled his sword from the man's chest. The man looked up at Athos for a few seconds as he made a feeble effort to pull his gun loose. Even as he continued to try, he sank back to the ground, balanced for a few seconds before slumping to the side.

Athos looked across to d'Artagnan who was staring down at the unconscious form of Marin, a look of betrayal and anger on his face.

They both looked up at the sound of footsteps retreating through the leaf litter of the woods. Elizabeth had taken her chance and run off. The two Musketeers looked at each other, the young woman, who had nothing to lose, was heading in the direction of the oak tree.

MMMM